🔗 Share this article

The California governor, a leading member of the Democratic party, has revealed that he plans to determine whether to run for president in 2028 after the 2026 elections are over.

"Yes, it would be dishonest if I said no," the governor commented when asked about contemplating a campaign for president following the 2026 midterms. "That wouldn't be honest. And I can't do that."

Newsom's time in office as governor wraps up in the start of 2027, and he is ineligible for re-election. However, he cautioned that any choice is not imminent.

"The future will decide," he added.

Rising Profile as a Trump Critic

He has emerged as a high-profile adversary of the current federal leadership, using his digital presence and advocating for a initiative that would boost Democratic House seats in as a counter to GOP gerrymandering. This strategy has made him a target from adversaries.

Clash on Transportation

The former president's secretary of transportation, Sean Duffy, claimed that the governor does not care about Californians in a Sunday interview on Fox News. The secretary announced intentions to cut federal funds from California and threatened eliminating the power to provide trucking licenses.

"I plan to withdraw $160 million from California," Duffy said, after a recently reported fatal crash in the state involving an undocumented semi truck driver that led to loss of life and injured individuals.

His administration noted that the U.S. government had reauthorized the worker's status multiple times, which enabled him to obtain a trucking license under federal law.

Duffy had earlier indicated he was withholding additional funds from California for ignoring English language requirements for commercial drivers.

Strong Response from the Team

"One-time television figure, now cabinet member, fails to grasp federal law," the governor's team responded in a recent release responding to Duffy's threats. "Meanwhile, as opposed to this individual, we rely on data: California CDL holders had a death rate much lower than the U.S. average. The state of Texas – the only state with a larger number of CDL holders – has a rate markedly elevated than California. Facts don't lie. This administration is dishonest."

Voter Sentiment and Political Future

A recently conducted survey showed that a majority of the party and almost half of voters indicated that the governor ought to campaign for president in the next election cycle. After the current administration began, public support for the governor has grown to an average of a third from approximately 30%, while his negative ratings has decreased from an mean of over 40% to current figures.

Some time ago, the governor stated while visiting several battleground states that he had "no clue" about his plans for 2028.

He also referenced his past difficulties, including being diagnosed with dyslexia at the age of five.

"The notion that a individual who got 960 on his SAT, who continues to find reading challenging, who was often seated at the back – that such a possibility is discussed is, alone, remarkable," he stated. "No one can say? I'm looking forward to who presents themselves in 2028 and who meets that moment. And that is the issue for the voters."